Targeting of stromal states in pancreatic cancer

Summarizes the current clinical landscape of stroma-targeting therapies in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, including their rationale, trial outcomes, and limitations. 

Highlights key reasons underlying the clinical failure of most stroma-directed approaches, emphasizing biological complexity and patient heterogeneity.

Introduces the concept that pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma stroma exists in distinct functional ‘states’ with divergent tumor-modulating roles.

Proposes that identifying and categorizing stromal states could enable rational patient stratification and improve therapeutic selection.

Discusses how different stromal states may present unique vulnerabilities that can be exploited through tailored therapies.

Describes emerging technological approaches, such as spatial omics, single-cell profiling, and advanced 3D modeling, to define and characterize stromal heterogeneity.

https://www.cell.com/trends/cancer/fulltext/S2405-8033(26)00159-7

https://sciencemission.com/stromal-states-in-pancreatic-cancer